Advanced Issues in Sociological Research and Sociology Writing Workshop (P01991)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-P01991

The course focuses on the articulation of the sociological perspective into the design of research projects, data collection and analysis. It draws on current research projects in the Sociology group, which are at the leading edge of the discipline, and entail the creation of new quantitative and qualitative data sets, as well as the analysis of secondary and archival data. Examples of current substantive research themes are national identity; society, governance and politics in a devolved Britain; family and intimate relationships; demographic change in Europe; organisational case studies; South Asian societies; sociology of financial markets; narrative and auto/biography; contemporary culture and scientific and technological knowledge.
Topics covered
During the Autumn Semester advanced techniques of research design, data collection and analysis are examined, using ongoing research projects to contextualise and demonstrate, for example, the use of statistical analysis techniques, case study, documentary and archival analysis and ethnography. Ethical and political considerations, and questions of epistemology and ontology, are set in the context of specific projects.

In the Spring Semester, the emphasis is on conceptual, logistical, ethical and practical issues in sociological research in relation to the students' own work. The focus is the transition from theoretical and empirical literature to formulation of original research.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Sociology, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 30 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

o To engage students in debate with researchers who are generating and analysing quantitative and qualitative data, and solving the epistemological, political, ethical and practical problems entailed.
o To further students' development as research sociologists, through training in the sociological formulation of research questions, design, methods and data analysis;
o To further students' knowledge of a range of data sources and techniques for their analysis;
o To improve students' ability to make effective oral presentations about their research plans.

Assessment Information

Students make an oral presentation to staff and postgraduates, focusing specifically on the articulation of the sociological perspective into a research question and associated research design and programme of work. A written version of the presentation is also submitted. This acts as preparatory work for the dissertation and, where relevant, the PhD/MPhil.